Publisher's Summary

The widow Liza Romero came to Wrangell, Alaska, for solitude and a chance to reinvent herself. Now, in her old wooden halibut schooner, Salmon Eye, she ferries library books and groceries across Steamer Bay. One day her first-mate Sam - part-Labrador part-redhound - spots the body of a small, nearly drowned Tlingit boy, marooned on a rock. They rescue the boy and take him to Wrangell, only to discover the body of a very old native man. Then someone on a mist-shrouded boat starts shooting at them.

Liza can't shake her curiosity over the crimes, or her concern for the boy James. She also can't shake loose the embittered local police lieutenant, or her knowledge of missing Tlingit artifacts. She must also deal with the drunken old man "Crow". The plot is laden with history, lore, and stunning settings, all adding up to an enticing mystery that only Liza can solve.

I had no idea I would enjoy this book so much. Full of the rich flavor of Alaska, this mystery-thriller combines heart, wisdom and excitement so well that I didn't want the book to end. Reminiscent of Dana Stabenow's Kate Shugak series, "Crow in Stolen Colors" features another strong, independent, indigenous woman full of grace and grit, and takes us on a wild ride through the Alaskan wilderness. I hope this is the first of many in what would make a great series of mystery books. I enjoyed this book immensely, and must say the narrator was beyond excellent, doing Native dialects with great authenticity. A wonderful listen! Don't be afraid to give this one a try--it's well worth a credit!

21 of 21 people found this review helpful

karen

United States

05/07/11

Overall

"What an amazing book!"

I'd never heard of the author, didn't recognize the name of the narrator, but I love "women and the sea" novels -- Linda Greenlaw, Christine Kling -- and decided to roll the dice and buy it. Sure glad I did -- fantastic book, in so many ways. Great descriptions of Alaska, interesting, believable characters, lots of white-knuckle moments. But mostly I have to credit the narrator, Stephanie Brush. I can't seem to find any biographical information about her, but in this book, she seems to have a slightly foreign accent I can't quite place, which is perfect. Sure works for this book. All in all, a wonderful production -- I'm looking for more Marcia Simpson books, and I hope Stephanie Brush will be reading them.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

sandra

decatur, TX, United States

03/03/11

Overall

"Engaging plot-line, well rounded characters"

I was born and raised in Alaska, my parents moved up before statehood and I grew up on native stories right along side Mother Goose. :-) The plot to this was well done, the characters well rounded and realistic and I particularly appreciated the handling of the native beliefs. The narrator's accents were off, but anyone who hasn't lived in the area wouldn't be able to copy them anyway and otherwise it was well read and had good inflections and pace.I'll download all of Marcia Simpson's books Audible has, I thoroughly enjoyed this one!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Stephanie

wimberly, TX, United States

13/12/10

Overall

"Where is the next one?"

Being a fan of Dana Stabenow and Nevada Barr, I was SO glad to find this author! First, I am just crazy about this narrator. Where has she been? When she speaks for the short person it just brings tears to my eyes and I'm not that kind of person. I could picture everything as described, not one time did I find her to be invasive. Let's put it this way, I think Tony Hillerman would have given the author a thumbs-up.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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